Russian power-puncher Murat Gassiev is wasting little time in making his presence felt at heavyweight.
Fresh off a sixth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev in Dubai, the 32-year-old has emerged as Russia’s first world heavyweight champion in thirteen years, capturing the WBA World Heavyweight title at IBA Pro 13 and immediately putting the division on notice.
Measured Start, Brutal Finish
Fighting in front of a raucous crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Gassiev began cautiously against the vastly experienced Bulgarian before shifting momentum decisively with a thunderous left hook that ended matters in devastating fashion.
The victory marked Gassiev’s twenty-sixth stoppage win and reinforced his reputation as one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers.
This was a good fight. I have a lot of respect for Kubrat. He is a great champion and a great person. This is boxing, and I hope his health is good and he has no injuries.
‘He Is Very Big and Has a Big Heart’
The former unified cruiserweight champion admitted Pulev’s size and experience posed real challenges once the action picked up.
It was a tough fight for me, a very tough fight. He has a lot of experience and he is a big guy. When he started moving and throwing combinations, I felt his size. He is very big and he has a big heart. He is a warrior.
Pulev Reflects After Defeat
At 44, Pulev cut a philosophical figure in defeat, acknowledging the fine margins that decided the contest while stopping short of announcing his future.
It was a good fight, but in boxing one punch can decide everything. I felt like I was going to win. I feel good physically, but I feel sad because the people are not happy. My fans are not happy. That is what makes me sad. Now we rest a little bit and then we will see what happens.
Next Test Already Looms
Attention now turns quickly to what comes next for the newly crowned champion. Gassiev is mandated to defend his title against heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma, a bout that promises a fascinating clash of generations.
Having already spoken of his ambition to fight at London’s Wembley Stadium, the man known as ‘Iron’ suddenly finds himself on the brink of the sport’s biggest stages.
IBA Hails ‘Statement Win’
IBA Pro General Director Al Siesta believes the performance marked a turning point in Gassiev’s heavyweight journey.
We saw Murat Gassiev back with a bang: It was a sensational knockout that will make the rest of the world take notice. This is the Murat the sport needs, and he is a danger to anyone in the heavyweight division.
“People talk about Moses Itauma as the future, but Murat is here now. He is only just getting started.”
Undercard Highlights
Elsewhere on the card, unbeaten lightweight Bakhodur Usmonov claimed a career-best victory, edging Britain’s Maxi Hughes via majority decision after twelve competitive rounds.
Vadim Musaev stopped Tulani Mbenge in the third round to secure the IBO welterweight title, while Russian super-lightweight contender Khariton Agrba avenged a previous defeat with a dominant unanimous decision over Nerii Muñoz. Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh narrowly outpointed Uganda’s Jeremiah Sserwadda over six hard-fought rounds, and Yoel Finol earned a second win over Shakhobidin Zoiro to lift the IBA Pro World Bantamweight title.
Full Card Results
Artem Suslenkov Won TKO 6 Stanley Wright
Samuel Carmona Won UD 8 Immanuel Josef
Madiyar Saydrakhimov Won MD 10 David Dzukaev
Estelle Mossely Won UD 8 Ellen Simwaka
Nico Ali Walsh Won UD 6 Jeremiah Sserwadda
Daud Aleuv Won RTD 6 Dave Penalosa (Ref: Giuseppe Quartarone)
Vadim Musaev Won TKO 3 Tulani Mbenge
Khariton Agrba Won UD 12 Ruben Munoz (117-111, 119-109 & 120-108, Ref: Rafael Ramos)
Faizan Anwar Won SD 10 Khuseyn Baysangurov (97-93, 96-94 & 94-96)
Yoel Finol Won SD 10 Shakhobidin Zoirov (97-93, 98-95 & 94-96, Ref: )
Bakhodur Usmonov Won MD 12 Maxi Hughes (115-113, 114-114 & 116-112, Ref: Rafael Ramos)
Murat Gassiev KO6 Kubrat Pulev (Ref: Giuseppe Quartarone)
